When does money outweigh sentimental value? 1968 notchback build thread

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Well,
Hows about this thought for a 'litmus' test...

Your 'forced slave labor'...

Do they love the car? or are they just being obedient to the Pops they Love !??
 
Keep it and fix it up. You'll regret it otherwise. It looks like it's in way better condition than mine was.
 
You have to force them off their phones and into the garage. As long as they can listen to their music they have fun. Keep asking about building the engine. They seem more interested in building it than taking it apart.
 
If you have reached this stage already, and from the way you worded your statement (money outweigh sentiment, as opposed to sentiment out weigh money) you are probably ready to be done with it. However, a basic rule I try to follow is to never do something that can't be undone. If you get rid of your car, in ten years you will not find it again. If you keep it for ten years, you can still get rid of it. I don't think anyone here has replied something you don't already know, including this little tidbit...the choice will ultimately be yours. (Maybe your wife)
 
khuebner250 said:
And my forced slave labor
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That's the number one reason to keep the car!! If I were you I would keep it and drive it like it is!! You dont need a show car to enjoy the hobby, just a car you enjoy! If this ain't the one, sell it, but I think you'll find that maybe it is!!!
 
If the trans tunnel came out that good, then patching the small rust areas ain't squat! Car is not in that bad a shape, real good. You were able to rescue it before the Midwest rust really chewed it up up.
 
look at some of the resto's on here your way ahead of the norm. Judging by your welding and fabrication you got this!
 
That car is a basically a rust free east coast car.
You have kept it this long, either paid storage, or a friend / parents have gave you some for free all those years.
I would get the old girl running and driving, yes it will take a few dollars, but if you use common sense not a serious amount of money unless the motor / trans is totally shot.
A running car is worth alot, it keeps the motivation up.
 
I don't think 'I've reached this stage already'. I've been pretty diligent and excited so far. I was figuring 8-10k for paint and body. But upon removing the side glass and seeing how shoddy the work was and then the more I dug the worse it got. And on top of that very limited sheetmetal available, I don't want to be blinded by my love for my car.

I was just discouraged this afternoon after finding every external body panel needs replacing or fixing. I've never wanted or entertained the idea of selling the car before. But earlier today I was reevaluating the right direction to go.

Thank you to all.
 
I guess the next step is to finish getting it apart and get the body guy to come and take a look. Again thanks for the support and compliments.
 
Find a wire feed (mig) welder. Find a Harbor Freight store. Buy a car magazine with a Harbor freight ad in it 20% coupon + grinder coupons) Buy a couple of 4& 1/2" grinders ($10-20), some wire wheels ($5), cutting wheels, safety glasses& a face shield , leather gloves, and a large .030 flux core ($50-7 pound) welding spool. Practice on out of site spots first. You will be a body man in no time.

I use large blocks of wood to hold up the car instead of jack stands-have had friends knock a car off of jack stands before. Don't use cinder blocks, have a phone near by and someone check on your well being periodically.

Also, don't live where it rains every single afternoon like I have to.
 
Your car really doesn't have much more wrong with it than the average project car its age. Just one step at a time. I like the job you have done on the cross member so far. Nice work. You certainly have the ability so I say fix it.
 
It's hard for anyone to put a sentimental value on your car. That is something only you can decide what that value is. Once you determine that, I think you will have your answer.
 
greymouser7 said:
Find a wire feed (mig) welder. Find a Harbor Freight store. Buy a car magazine with a Harbor freight ad in it 20% coupon + grinder coupons) Buy a couple of 4& 1/2" grinders ($10-20), some wire wheels ($5), cutting wheels, safety glasses& a face shield , leather gloves, and a large .030 flux core ($50-7 pound) welding spool. Practice on out of site spots first. You will be a body man in no time
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I have everything +75/25, -4.5 grinder. Tools aren't the problem, I have the tools. What I don't have, is the confidence to cut up or hit my car with a hammer. I would love to have the opportunity to be taught. I don't know if I can do self taught on my car though.
 
SGBARRACUDA said:
It's hard for anyone to put a sentimental value on your car. That is something only you can decide what that value is. Once you determine that, I think you will have your answer.
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..a good rule of thumb is that decisions based on emotion have a very high rate of failure!
logic is almost always your best friend!
 
RustyRatRod said:
Your car really doesn't have much more wrong with it than the average project car its age. Just one step at a time. I like the job you have done on the cross member so far. Nice work. You certainly have the ability so I say fix it.
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Thanks Rusty. I think the thought of the amount of bodywork was overwhelming today. Maybe I'm just whining.
 
Look at what I went through, then ask yourself that question again. You've got the skills, fix it!
 
khuebner250 said:
I have everything +75/25, -4.5 grinder. Tools aren't the problem, I have the tools. What I don't have, is the confidence to cut up or hit my car with a hammer. I would love to have the opportunity to be taught. I don't know if I can do self taught on my car though.
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Go to your local junkyard, pull a old fender off the same vintage car you have.
Practice on it, welding straightening etc.
All old cars have some rust and dents from age.
Junkyard fender will be cheap, and you can use it for patches in your car later in needed.
 
ir3333 said:
..a good rule of thumb is that decisions based on emotion have a very high rate of failure!
logic is almost always your best friend!
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That's why I asked here. I took a step back today and questioned what I was doing. I looked at the amount of body damage and wanted to make sure it was the right decision, regardless of emotion. I follow daily but rarely post and I knew this was the place for solid advice.

I'm sure I'll have to start a build thread now that I opened my mouth.
 
Up here in canada a body shell like that would be considered MINT. What I can see in the pics is really not that bad at all. Some patching, body work, below average of whats to be expected for body work in my opinion.

As for keeping it, it's up to you. If you think it's out of your league and wanna start on something easier. I would honestly suggest keeping it and finding something more your level. And once you become capable of the level of work you need for it, you might regret not having it to work on.

In the end, it's a lot easier to sell a car, then to buy a car. Right?
 
khuebner250 said:
Thanks Rusty. I think the thought of the amount of bodywork was overwhelming today. Maybe I'm just whining.
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No, you're not whining.....well.....maybe a little. lol

You're looking at the car as a whole. Stop that. lol

Pick a spot. Fix it. Move on. Make that your motto. Pick a spot. Fix it. Move on.

It will shape up in no time.
 
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